It would seem the future of the Town Basin is to be decided by developers. One would wonder why the council in its wisdom has not turned public energy into a positive outcome. 

There is no question that we need the channel kept open.  Hence we need a mutually agreed upon policy for funding that necessity

My petition reads: We the undersigned, request that the Whangarei District Council retains ownership of the Town Basin on behalf of the residents and ratepayers of Whangarei.
Contact me for a copy of the petition:
Phone/fax 09 436 3660
Mobile 021 201 4111
lachlan@xnet.co.nz

What if the cost of parking in Whangarei was to double?  Would this achieve the purpose of the 20/20 Vision?

We have a quality product – why are we selling it so cheaply? So cheaply that the rate-payers are asked to pay for the dredging of the Hatea Channel, to keep the Basin open. 

"Town Basin for sale” - Advocate 11th May 2007

Rates spending requires some tough decisions, but realistically speaking it comes to a point where “there are areas we can’t justify… It may be desirable but it’s not essential.”